We are all very well-versed in the idea that to take care of our skin and ourselves is a practice that reaps the highest rewards if done on a daily basis. Whether it’s with the view of seeing a visible improvement in our skin or simply an activity akin to brushing our teeth, we can agree that taking time to properly cleanse and nourish our bodies has far reaching effects. What we often underestimate is the power attaching meaning to these activities has in improving our wellbeing, the potential to connect with our core values through them and live more intentionally.
Described as meaningful practices we do with intent, it is unsurprising that ritual and skincare are often linked. Rituals are a set of activities performed in a sequence that add depth and purpose to your actions. By creating a ritual around an activity we are making a choice to be in the present, honour that moment and open a connection between our mind and body.
Cleansing your skin at night, perhaps under the soft glow of candlelight, can help you unwind before bedtime and promote better sleep, whereas a morning ritual could be about reciting things you are grateful for, including having time to look after yourself, and set you up for the day ahead.
You may see skincare as purely about getting results and are driven by the routine of it all, and that is ok too. Rituals don’t necessarily have to be daily. But what if you made a slight shift in mindset and re-framed looking after your skin as a time for quiet reflection, gratitude practice or honouring a commitment to looking after you? How can taking care of your skin contribute to your holistic wellbeing?
Have a think about how you might create your own ritual around self-care.